The County Line First Baptist Church, the oldest Black church in Denton County, celebrated its 162nd anniversary on Sunday with a day filled with worship, homecoming and remembrance.
The morning service saw an appearance by Pilot Point Mayor Chad Major.
That afternoon, during the anniversary service, the sanctuary was filled wall-to-wall with regular attendees, members returning for the celebration and guests from True Vine Baptist Church of Fort Worth, whose pastor, Rev. Jack Crane, delivered the sermon.
The afternoon service featured a joyful Homecoming Mass Choir performance uniting current and former members in song, and Deacon John Jackson, a longtime member and voice in the church choir, leading the congregation in a moving oral telling of County Line’s storied history, one that stretches back to 1863.
The church was founded by a group of freedmen along the Denton– Cooke County line.
The church later relocated to Pilot Point in 1882, dismantling its original structure and moving it by wagon train roughly three miles to its current site at 512 E. Walcott St.
Today, that legacy of service continues under the leadership of Rev. James E. Lee III, who spoke about the church’s mission and future during the anniversary celebration.
“We have 162 years of faithfulness to God and service to our community,” Lee said. “Standing on the shoulders of those who built this church inspires us to look toward the future—to restore the temple, renew the community and reach one soul at a time.” Lee described the church’s role in Pilot Point as one rooted in service and outreach, whether that means helping a neighbor in need or keeping local streets clean.
“Whatever the community needs, we are here to step in and help,” he said. “We want to be the people the community can call on.”
Crane reflected on the shared history between the two congregations.
His father once pastored at County Line before founding True Vine in Fort Worth in 1967.
“Our churches are connected through legacy,” Crane said. “It’s vital that County Line and True Vine continue to fellowship together, so the next generations understand where this history began.”
As the oldest Black church in Denton County, County Line First Baptist Church remains a beacon of faith.
Longtime members such as Sister Mary Helen Jackson, whose family has attended County Line for generations, spoke about witnessing the church’s endurance.
“It means a lot to me because this is the church I grew up in,” said Jackson, who has attended for over 70 years. “We’re seeing younger adults step up and carry the torch. That gives me hope for the future.”
